A lost fishing rod cost a man his life when an angling expedition took a tragic turn in Victoria's west overnight.
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A 55-year-old Warrnambool man was fishing with a friend at Peterborough about 6pm on the west bank of the Curdies River inlet, near the boat ramp, when his rod fell into the water.
Sergeant David Banks from Port Campbell police said the man went into the water to retrieve the rod, which was apparently of great value to him, The Warrnambool Standard reports.
"He has waded into the water and found himself in difficulties," Sergeant Banks said.
"Fishermen on both the west and east banks went to his aid.
"They pulled him on to the mudflats on the east side of the inlet and started CPR until ambulance units arrived.
"A nurse from Ireland who was passing by also assisted."
Sergeant Banks said ambulance crews tried to revive the man "for the best part of an hour", but he did not respond.
Sergeant Banks said ambulances from Timboon and Warrnambool and State Emergency Service personnel from Port Campbell assisted police at the scene, which is a popular fishing spot.
"It’s just a tragic incident," he said.
He could not give a definitive cause for the man’s death.
"Police will prepare a report to assist the coroner in the investigation."
